The Dan Yorke Show

Cumberland Mayor Jeff Mutter joins the show to break down his high-stakes decision to endorse Helena Buonanno Foulkes for Governor. In a candid conversation, Mutter explains why he bypassed current Governor—and former Cumberland Mayor—Dan McKee, pulling back the curtain on the shifting political dynamics in Rhode Island and what this means for the future of the state.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Ziebarth, Chief of State Policy and Advocacy for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, joins The Dan Yorke Show. Ziebarth responds to calls demanding that Governor Dan McKee's 2009 charter school champion award be rescinded, and provides national context on the ongoing political and policy debates surrounding Rhode Island's public charter systems.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Bottella, President of the Auto Body Association of Rhode Island (ABARI), joins The Dan Yorke Show to discuss the major auto insurance legislation currently sitting on Governor Dan McKee’s desk. Bottella explains the consumer and industry impacts of the bill—including changes to the state's vehicle total loss threshold—and shares why his organization is pushing for the Governor to sign it into law.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien joins The Dan Yorke Show to detail his endorsement of Governor Dan McKee. Mayor Grebien discusses the strategic relationship between the state and the city of Pawtucket, highlighting how the McKee administration's support drives local economic development, transit initiatives, and Blackstone Valley growth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi joins The Dan Yorke Show to discuss his official endorsement of Governor Dan McKee. Mayor Lombardi breaks down the local impact of the McKee administration’s policies on North Providence infrastructure, small businesses, and municipal funding, and shares his perspective on the state's political landscape.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The high-stakes legal battle over Rhode Island’s open Supreme Court seat has reached a fever pitch.

Following a grueling three-hour hearing, the Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted 6–1 to reject former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s motion to dismiss the ethics complaint against him. The complaint, filed by Roger Williams University Law Professor and former Dean Michael Yelnosky, alleges that Shekarchi’s rapid jump from the Speaker’s rostrum to a lifetime appointment on the state’s highest court is a flagrant violation of Rhode Island’s "revolving door" law.

With the Commission pushing forward with its formal investigation, Shekarchi’s legal team is now signaling a move to the court system to halt the process. In this episode, we sit down with the man who launched the complaint, Michael Yelnosky, to unpack the Commission's landmark vote, the executive director's blistering 27-page objection, and what happens next now that Shekarchi is taking the battle to court.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Rhode Island drivers already face some of the highest car insurance and repair costs in the nation, a contentious piece of legislation sits on Governor Dan McKee’s desk.

In this episode, we sit down with insurance industry expert Christopher S. Stark to break down House Bill 7866 and Senate Bill 3115. This legislation proposes raising the state’s vehicle total-loss threshold from 80% to 85%. While proponents frame it as a win for consumer choice and local auto body shops, Stark warns it could backfire drastically—leading to skyrocketing premiums, longer repair delays, and potential safety risks on the road.

We dive deep into the mechanics of the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, why Rhode Island is a unique battleground for auto repair laws, and what Governor McKee's final decision will mean for your wallet.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren Matlach Deputy Director, RI League of Charter Public Schools joins the show to react to Governor Dan McKee's decision to sign a charter school pause.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Woonsocket mayor Chris Beauchamp joins the show to discuss why he is endorsing Governor Dan McKee.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence City Councilor Juan Pichardo discusses joining the municipal coalition supporting Governor McKee, emphasizing the focus on defending health care, food assistance, and critical social services for Rhode Island’s capital city.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.